As I have been watching the NBA playoffs I have been seeing these commercials for the WNBA. At first I think, “Finally someone is telling the truth about how everyone feels about the WNBA.” Then they pull the old switcheroo on us and say they meant the opposite. It got me thinking about why I watch the NBA and why I get bored at even the thought of watching the WNBA. Apparently I am not alone either, as not many other people find the prospect very exciting. The following are just a couple of the reasons that I will not watch the WNBA.
The “Shove it Down My Throat” Factor
No one likes a pushy sales pitch, especially when the salesman already seems to think you hate the product but still insists on forcing it on you. These commercials are pretty much coming out and saying, “Look, I know you don’t want to watch us play because it is boring. But do it.” It just really doesn’t get you excited for watching at all. Especially when they show some clips that only seem to confirm what the girl speaking was pretending to say. The attitudes of these commercials seem to just drive a wedge deeper and deeper between the person who already doesn’t want to watch and the WNBA.
The “Boring” Factor
Be honest, it is boring. The reason people watch the NBA is because they are just downright amazing at playing basketball. The sheer size of the players and their incredible skills make it impressive to watch even on TV. I feel sorry for my wife sometimes when I make her come watch my church basketball games. “Why?” you ask. Because it is boring. Even if we could get two or three guys on the court who can dunk, my church league doesn’t even allow it. Thus, televising these games and begging people to watch, even though everyone knows they don’t want to, would be a bad idea. I think it is great that there is a league for women to be able to play, just as I think it is great that I get to play at church. People just don’t want to watch.
I don’t want to seem like I am being hateful or that I don’t think that women can play basketball. I do not doubt that many of the players in the WNBA could make me look like a little fool on the court. But I do not want to watch. I would not watch televised church basketball or junior high basketball games either. It is just not on the level that would make me want to turn on the television and watch a full game.